World Diabetes Day Ahmedabad: City Unites in Blue for Health
Newz Daddy Health Care Updates
The city of Ahmedabad witnessed a remarkable public‐health event. The Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA), working hand in hand with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the International Diabetes Federation–South-East Asia region (IDF SEA) and the Ahmedabad Family Physicians Association (AFPA), conducted a city-wide screening drive for World Diabetes Day. The campaign reached 103 different centres, ranging from public gardens to clinics and health centres, making it a truly inclusive effort.
From the early hours of the morning, the city seemed dressed in awareness. Over fifty of the screening locations were public gardens, making it easy for families, workers and passers-by to participate. Using public gardens for health check-ups is a smart move: it brings the service where people already relax, talk and spend time. Free checks for blood sugar and blood pressure made the event accessible to all—even those who might not regularly visit a clinic. This kind of outreach matters because early detection of diabetes and hypertension can prevent serious complications later. For example, global health agencies note that diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and amputations. In a busy city like Ahmedabad, bringing care closer to citizens sends a strong message about preventive health.
At the central event in Parimal Garden, dignitaries lent their presence and support. Smt Pratibhaben Jain, the Mayor of Ahmedabad, Dr Hasmukh Patel, the MLA, Dr Bhavin Solanki, the Chief Medical Officer of the AMC, and other senior health officials, including the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Health) and the Health Committee Chairman, came together. Their participation shows that the issue of diabetes and cardiovascular health is not just medical—it has civic, social and political importance. At the gathering, blue balloons were released as a symbol of unity and hope, and a Zumba session followed, bringing energy, fun and movement into the awareness campaign. Using a fitness event like Zumba helps link the message: you can screen, you can act, you can move.
Acknowledgements in the article underscore the teamwork behind the event. AMA thanked Dr Bansi Saboo and IDF SEA for vision and guidance. The global‐local link matters: IDF is the umbrella organisation for national diabetes associations in many countries and supports awareness, advocacy and prevention. The AMC, under Dr Bhavin Solanki and team, including Dr Sanket Patel, is credited for strong field support and coordination. Ground coordination matters when you have 103 centres to manage. Dr Pragnesh Vachharajani is singled out for execution at every centre. AFPA, led by Dr Pritesh Shah and Dr Mehul Shelat, plus the Cure Sight Laser team and other hospitals, clinics, NGOs and volunteers, are also acknowledged. This breadth of partners shows that public-health events rely on many moving parts, from doctors to local clinics, from large corporations to community volunteers.
Data collection is now underway. The article reports that preliminary data indicate a very high turnout, with a significant number of individuals newly diagnosed with elevated blood sugar or blood pressure levels. This is important because many people living with diabetes or hypertension are unaware of it until complications start. According to the global health agency theme this year, diabetes across life stages must be addressed: everyone, from childhood to older age, needs care that is integrated, supportive and lifelong. Ahmedabad’s approach to screening in many locations, including outdoor public spaces, aligns with this life-course approach. Final numbers will follow, but early signs suggest the campaign succeeded in reaching many people.
Finally, the article speaks of Ahmedabad as a leader. With massive participation, teamwork and sincere collaboration, the city has shown leadership in preventive healthcare, turning the city blue with awareness, hope and proactive health action. For citizens, it means the next step is having a follow-up: those identified with high sugar or blood pressure will need guidance, care and possibly treatment. For the health system, the next step is using the collected data to track outcomes, plan deeper interventions and sustain the momentum. For the community, it’s a reminder: screening is the first step; prevention and management are the journey.
Ahmedabad’s World Diabetes Day drive reflects best practice: public engagement, access, collaboration, early detection and awareness. When a whole city changes colour, in this case, blue, it signals that health is a shared responsibility. As the data comes in, the hope is that more people will know their health numbers, get care early, and avoid the serious complications of diabetes and hypertension.
